Pilotage Plan for a Boat Trip from Barcelona, ES to Coma Ruga, ES**Route Overview**Setting sail from the vibrant city of Barcelona, this journey to Coma Ruga offers a pleasing mix of coastal navigation, sheltered bays, and cultural exploration. This route is particularly suitable for recreational boaters looking for a scenic passage along the Costa Daurada while maintaining a strong focus on safety and navigational awareness. A well-planned trip will ensure you enjoy the stunning views and attractions without compromising your safety.**Starting Point: Barcelona**Before you set out from Barcelona (Latitude: 41.579461748202704, Longitude: 2.55830705165863), make sure your vessel is fully equipped and safety gear is checked. The Port of Barcelona has excellent facilities for provisioning or topping off fuel if necessary. While you're there, take a moment to enjoy the iconic skyline featuring the Sagrada Família and the Columbus Monument towering at the waterfront.**Route to Coma Ruga**1. **Initial Departure and Navigation** As you leave the port, steer southeast towards the open waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Use your charts and electronic navigation aids to maintain course. Pay close attention to the numerous small craft and ferries operating in the busy waters around Barcelona. You’ll want to remain aware of local traffic regulations and avoid designated shipping lanes.2. **Navigational Aids** Once out of the harbour, make sure to familiarize yourself with key navigational aids, including: - **Lighthouse of Montjuïc** (Latitude: 41.3592, Longitude: 2.1742): This lighthouse guides vessels past the entrance of the port. - **Baleares Channel Buoys**: Keep an eye out for buoys marking safe channels as they provide a path along the coastline.3. **Notable Points of Interest** - **Sitges**: Approximately 25 km southwest of Barcelona, this picturesque town is known for its charming beaches and vibrant cultural scene. A stop here for lunch or a walk through the historic old town is worthwhile. - **Vilanova i la Geltrú**: Further along, consider pausing in Vilanova. The marina here is a great place for shelter and offers pleasant onshore activities along with dining options.4. **Sheltered Bays** - **Cala de Sant Jordi**: If the weather starts to turn, this small cove provides excellent shelter. It can serve as a temporary haven if winds become strong or seas become rough. - **Cala de la Barra**: Another option is to anchor here, offering calm waters and picturesque surroundings.5. **Approaching Coma Ruga** As you close in on Coma Ruga (Latitude: 41.176677545020965, Longitude: 1.526270806789398), keep a sharp lookout for the local fishing vessels, anglers who frequent the area, and potential navigational hazards such as shoals near the shore. The beach here is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. **Regulations and Safety Considerations**- Always adhere to local maritime regulations, especially regarding speed limits in certain zones and restrictions on anchoring in protected areas.- Monitor weather conditions closely using reliable apps or services. Marinas along the route often provide updates, so take advantage of that.- Bring along the **Savvy Navvy** app, which is excellent for route planning and navigation, alongside other helpful apps like Navionics and Windy.**Conclusion**This pilotage plan from Barcelona to Coma Ruga is designed to help you enjoy a safe and exhilarating cruising experience. From stunning coastal landscapes to welcoming bays and interesting stops, this route showcases the best of the Catalonian coastline. By prioritizing navigational safety, following local guidelines, and staying aware of your surroundings, your journey will be both enjoyable and secure. Happy cruising!